Search found 264 matches

by Nutroast
09 Apr 2015, 11:02
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Grade 3 practical
Replies: 16
Views: 24123

Re: Grade 3 practical

gizzy wrote:
Nutroast wrote:Passed with distinction! 133 points :D :piano;
Well done, that Cutlet! Which pieces did she play? (I was about to ask what board the exam was for, but then realised you can't get 133% in Trinity or London.

gizzyx
Thanks, Gizzy! She played Allegro, Moody Prawn Blues and Stormy Coast. x
by Nutroast
09 Apr 2015, 10:01
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Grade 3 practical
Replies: 16
Views: 24123

Re: Grade 3 practical

Passed with distinction! 133 points :D :piano;
by Nutroast
07 Apr 2015, 17:37
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Sight reading
Replies: 16
Views: 25150

Re: Sight reading

Thanks for your replies and thanks for that list DB and the kind offer, but I've been thinking this over with my pea-like and I think I often make the mistake of trying to fix 'hard stuff' with a book, when what's needed is good old fashioned practice. I don't think Cutlet is as bad as she thinks sh...
by Nutroast
24 Mar 2015, 13:04
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Sight reading
Replies: 16
Views: 25150

Sight reading

Yes, that old chestnut! It seems to be Cutlet's achilles heel as well. Has anyone found particular methods or books helpful, or is time and practice enough? I've been looking at the "Joining the Dots" books that get great reviews, have you tried them? I was wondering, if they are good, whe...
by Nutroast
23 Mar 2015, 22:44
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Grade 3 practical
Replies: 16
Views: 24123

Re: Grade 3 practical

She gets wound up by exams and then just does it! She seems to be able to play on the day - a performer! She gets very stressed before the exam and, like before, she's now floating on a sea of buzzingness(?) she wants to do it all again! And, as DB says, results in a couple of weeks. There's not man...
by Nutroast
23 Mar 2015, 13:34
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Grade 3 practical
Replies: 16
Views: 24123

Re: Grade 3 practical

Phew, all done! Now, the wait begins! She was all smiles when she came out of there though. x
by Nutroast
20 Mar 2015, 12:09
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Random thoughts or comments...
Replies: 1635
Views: 1268695

Re: Random thoughts or comments...

Wowee, that was a good day. Got this book of British town trails a few weeks ago for £2.99 and there were 2 trails in Oxford, which we both did. Plus lots and lots of poking all day. Talk of mis-heard lyrics, when I quickly read your message I saw "...book of British towel rails...." :oops:
by Nutroast
20 Mar 2015, 12:04
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Grade 3 practical
Replies: 16
Views: 24123

Re: Grade 3 practical

Sight-reading is one of her weaker bits, but we dug out a grade 1 piece that she'd played ages ago and had forgotten and got her to play it, she had to stare intently at the music while she played it slowly and she did really well. So, we were able to say after that "See? You can sight read!&qu...
by Nutroast
18 Mar 2015, 10:18
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Grade 3 practical
Replies: 16
Views: 24123

Re: Grade 3 practical

Thanks, Gill and Dave, she's 9 years old and an awful lot more talented than me!
by Nutroast
17 Mar 2015, 14:36
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Grade 3 practical
Replies: 16
Views: 24123

Grade 3 practical

Cutlet has has grade 3 next Monday, 23 March, she's nervous and excited in about equal measure! I'm very proud of her, she's put in a huge amount of work. With the day getting close, she's practicing like she really means it! Whatever the result, she'll be getting a treat for all her hard work. :pia...
by Nutroast
07 Mar 2015, 17:09
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Cats, dogs and other animals
Replies: 14
Views: 22620

Re: Cats, dogs and other animals

Two dogs, one remaining cat out of the 3 we adopted 10 years ago, she was microchipped in 1995, so is at least 20 years old now. Just 6 chickens left after we lost another to micoplasma last month - Ginny, Hermione, Blackberry, Holly, Ivy and Beautiful Babs. Love 'em all.

J
by Nutroast
22 Feb 2015, 14:40
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Anecdote corner
Replies: 31
Views: 37098

Re: Anecdote corner

Someone I 'knew' online who was expecting a baby and there was an old wive's tale that you could take castor oil to aid the birth, her mother advised her to take Castrol :mrgreen: xx
by Nutroast
22 Feb 2015, 14:38
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Anecdote corner
Replies: 31
Views: 37098

Re: Anecdote corner

Apparently, Nicky Campbell on "The Big Question" said "The virgin birth is inconceivable".
by Nutroast
13 Feb 2015, 13:01
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: What tune have we had on our minds today??
Replies: 413
Views: 370471

Re: What tune have we had on our minds today??

OK, I've now swapped Matchstick Men for Yes Sir I can Boogie. Thanks a bunch Dave!
by Nutroast
13 Feb 2015, 10:28
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: What tune have we had on our minds today??
Replies: 413
Views: 370471

Re: What tune have we had on our minds today??

Matchstick men & matchstick cats & dogs.

For the life of me, I can't imagine why that's in my head!
by Nutroast
24 Jan 2015, 18:05
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: What tune have we had on our minds today??
Replies: 413
Views: 370471

Re: What tune have we had on our minds today??

Yes, feel at home now on the Isle of Wight. Very happy to be here.
by Nutroast
23 Jan 2015, 10:08
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: What tune have we had on our minds today??
Replies: 413
Views: 370471

Re: What tune have we had on our minds today??

Hello Nutty, nice to see you on here again. Sounds like Nutty Junior is doing well with her piano lessons, what grade is she on now?? Hello DB! Junior got stalled a bit with us moving house/schools etc but she's right back on target now and booked in for grade 3 this spring, we haven't been given t...
by Nutroast
22 Jan 2015, 12:33
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: What tune have we had on our minds today??
Replies: 413
Views: 370471

Re: What tune have we had on our minds today??

Pachabel Canon in D. Playing my new violin with Cutlet playing piano and now it's firmly stuck in my head on a permanent coda :||
by Nutroast
07 Apr 2014, 15:02
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: teaching my 5 year old son to play the Piano advice
Replies: 42
Views: 50426

Re: teaching my 5 year old son to play the Piano advice

Gill the Piano wrote:Furry Knees
:D I'm probably the only one not to have heard that one before. Lovely!
by Nutroast
11 Mar 2014, 23:20
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: What's Made You Happy Today???
Replies: 796
Views: 621812

Re: What's Made You Happy Today???

Gill the Piano wrote:...we don't do modern! :)
I'm on your side 100 percent!
by Nutroast
11 Mar 2014, 12:00
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: What's Made You Happy Today???
Replies: 796
Views: 621812

Re: What's Made You Happy Today???

:D not wishing to fuel the cockerel joke fire but.... we've never had a cockerel. You don't need one, the hens will lay just as much without one, just the eggs won't be fertilised. Today, Cutlet started learning Drip Drip Drop Little April Showers from Bambi! It's very sweet. I love hearing :piano; ...
by Nutroast
24 Feb 2014, 21:32
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Dummies guide to Bechstein
Replies: 3
Views: 7656

Re: Dummies guide to Bechstein

Thanks, Barrie. It will take a lot to get me to part with the upright we have, but I'm keeping an open mind!
by Nutroast
14 Feb 2014, 10:56
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Random thoughts or comments...
Replies: 1635
Views: 1268695

Re: Random thoughts or comments...

I've stopped chucking my toys out of the pram now! The violin is improving rapidly and cutlet is practicing trills on Rosie while playing "Spring" from the Four Seasons, so all's good in the world! One of my main problems is getting a good enough hold to free my left had to play. This has ...
by Nutroast
13 Feb 2014, 21:48
Forum: Piano Advice
Topic: Dummies guide to Bechstein
Replies: 3
Views: 7656

Dummies guide to Bechstein

Please can someone enlighten me on the world of the Bechstein grand piano? What is the difference between, say, model A and model B?

Are they a good buy? Are there certain eras of manufacture when they were particularly good or bad? I seem to be fixated on them, especially the older ones!
by Nutroast
05 Feb 2014, 12:33
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Hello from another oldie.
Replies: 22
Views: 30576

Re: Hello from another oldie.

Hello Phil - welcome, good luck and, most importantly, enjoy yourself!
by Nutroast
02 Feb 2014, 12:03
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Random thoughts or comments...
Replies: 1635
Views: 1268695

Re: Random thoughts or comments...

Well, that was short-lived :( I'd forgotten how uncomfortable it was to hold a violin for even just a few minutes and the sound I get is hideous to the extent that I won't even practice if there's anyone in the house. Without practice, I'm unlikely to get any better and don't think I can tolerate th...
by Nutroast
29 Jan 2014, 14:07
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Random thoughts or comments...
Replies: 1635
Views: 1268695

Re: Random thoughts or comments...

DB, any one of those could mess up the neuros that would help with learning but, the fact that you've already got to the level you're at is testament to the fact that you can do it anyway! My :sad: lesson was great! I've got lots of tips on correcting my violin hold (which I knew was bad) and my bow...
by Nutroast
28 Jan 2014, 14:20
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Random thoughts or comments...
Replies: 1635
Views: 1268695

Re: Random thoughts or comments...

I was also saddened to hear that Pete Seeger had died. On a brighter note (I hope) I am being treated to my first EVER one to one violin lesson tomorrow. All the ones I had in my yoof were group practice then orchestra. Thank you to my better half for the early birthcake present. It's probably in th...
by Nutroast
05 Jan 2014, 13:23
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: What's Made You Happy Today???
Replies: 796
Views: 621812

Re: What's Made You Happy Today???

Sounds like you were taught the balance the violin on the left thumb method. I was taught that way to. Technique has moved on a lot and now a more relaxed grip is preferred. Start by letting the neck slide down your thumb towards the join between thumb and first finger, you know the way 'fiddle pla...
by Nutroast
04 Jan 2014, 16:11
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: What's Made You Happy Today???
Replies: 796
Views: 621812

Re: What's Made You Happy Today???

I've started playing the violin again for the first time in 30 years! It sounds like someone's standing on the cat's tail, but I'll get there eventually. My main problem is my left thumb, which is very double jointed and "collapses" when holding the violin, making it uncomfortable to hold ...
by Nutroast
23 Dec 2013, 10:24
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Misheard lyrics from songs.
Replies: 161
Views: 162319

Re: Misheard lyrics from songs.

Bohemiam Rhapsody:

Is this the real life? Is this just Battersea?
by Nutroast
03 Dec 2013, 17:34
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Grade 1 in December
Replies: 12
Views: 13997

Re: Grade 1 in December

Passed with merit (124). One very happy camper. xx
by Nutroast
28 Nov 2013, 18:13
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Misheard lyrics from songs.
Replies: 161
Views: 162319

Re: Misheard lyrics from songs.

Chain Reaction - Diana Ross
"I'm on a journey for the inspiration, tell Eddie Waring there is no salvation..." :lol:
by Nutroast
28 Nov 2013, 16:40
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Misheard lyrics from songs.
Replies: 161
Views: 162319

Re: Misheard lyrics from songs.

Kim Carnes, Betty Davis Eyes "What it takes to make a crow blush" eh what?

x
by Nutroast
24 Nov 2013, 23:17
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Grade 1 in December
Replies: 12
Views: 13997

Re: Grade 1 in December

I will keep you informed! Hello Dave, hello Gill, I've missed you both. Great to hear from you again. x edit PS. Cutlet always plays better on a heavier action piano for some reason. Anyway, she was given the choice of instruments when she went into the exam room and told me "The grand piano wa...
by Nutroast
24 Nov 2013, 12:43
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Grade 1 in December
Replies: 12
Views: 13997

Re: Grade 1 in December

Her exam was last Thursday. Sshhh.... we're quietly optimistic, it seemed to go really well. It was her first ever formal exam of any kind so she was a bit nervous (me too). Now the wait for the results...... I'm one proud camper whatever the result.
by Nutroast
21 Jun 2013, 13:22
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Grade 1 in December
Replies: 12
Views: 13997

Grade 1 in December

Not for me, but for Nutcutlet, though I'm probably more anxious than she is! She's chosen her pieces, now it's practice time!
by Nutroast
21 Jun 2013, 11:44
Forum: Digital Pianos
Topic: 6 year old wants daddy to buy a digital piano
Replies: 2
Views: 13461

Re: 6 year old wants daddy to buy a digital piano

I'm an acoustic snob, but for your information, we bought a digital piano as a travelling backup to our acoustic upright and went for the cheapest one we could with weighted keys as it wouldn't get everyday use. We couldn't stretch to a Yamaha and definitely not a Roland or Kawai so we ended up with...
by Nutroast
27 May 2013, 23:10
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: My project which I am excited about
Replies: 9
Views: 17066

Re: My project which I am excited about

Hello Gizzy, It was wonderful to read your update! You can't go far wrong with the Voice of God on your side; I'm just a lousy earth-bound mezzo soprano :) I have to admit to having a very soft spot for G&S, I was taken to many performances when I was a sapling by my mum and I loved them all. Pi...
by Nutroast
20 Jul 2012, 18:15
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Absent friends...
Replies: 22
Views: 27635

Re: Absent friends...

That's fantastic news! He's broken his sound barrier! Well done, Dave. Is he going to go for 4?
by Nutroast
01 Jul 2012, 13:15
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: My project which I am excited about
Replies: 9
Views: 17066

Re: My project which I am excited about

What a great idea! I can tell by the way you wrote your post that it's something that really gets you enthusiastic.

Lots of luck with it all, I'll be watching for updates too.
by Nutroast
06 Jun 2012, 11:11
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: The Olympic Torch
Replies: 14
Views: 17924

Re: The Olympic Torch

For me the Olympics has been ruined, I can't watch all those talented athletes who've put in so much training without thinking how the games that were supposed to showcase Britain is being sponsored by Cola, McDonalds etc etc etc. It's all about making big ££$$$ for the companies that already have b...
by Nutroast
15 May 2012, 12:33
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Stupid question...
Replies: 8
Views: 11308

Re: Stupid question...

We were out in town last Saturday and an ambulance went screaming past, that usually sombering event was brightened by a little long-haired pooch that wailed in almost perfect tune with the ambulance siren, it was very, very cute!

Gizzy :D What a brilliant story! Thanks for that.

xx
by Nutroast
04 May 2012, 14:30
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Piano apps for iPhone, Android, BlackBerry etc.
Replies: 8
Views: 12611

Re: Piano apps for iPhone, Android, BlackBerry etc.

http://www.sightreadingpractice.com/cgi-bin/index.cgi?sight&dpt=s&layout=full&r=w.s/&id=16177376659&cr=2 , I've played this one with Boo a few times, you can set treble, bass or both and whether to have a "hint note" on the keyboard (turn it off!) She really enjoys it,...
by Nutroast
29 Apr 2012, 10:58
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: What's Made You Happy Today???
Replies: 796
Views: 621812

Re: What's Made You Happy Today???

The thought of lovely home made toad in the hole with caramelised onion gravy for dinner this evening.... Is that made by you or for you? I suppose if I asked you to save some for me, it would be cold by the time I got it. Oh, and of course they wouldn't be veggie sausages, would they. Oh well, for...
by Nutroast
27 Apr 2012, 09:30
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: What Is The Weather Like Where You Are?
Replies: 58
Views: 83553

Re: What Is The Weather Like Where You Are?

OHO, thanks for sending me to dreamland! We've got ponds where we've never had ponds before. The river's burst its banks and flooded what its supposed to flood.... drum roll.... the flood plain. I saw an egret there while walking the pooch yesterday. We have four 1500 litre water tanks that were nea...
by Nutroast
25 Apr 2012, 12:48
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: Piano apps for iPhone, Android, BlackBerry etc.
Replies: 8
Views: 12611

Re: Piano apps for iPhone, Android, BlackBerry etc.

Hi DB, I wanted to get a piano theory thingy for my daughter, she has a dreaded DS1 (I say dreaded as I have a deep suspicion of things with plugs :lol: ) anyway, the only one I could find used American terminology for notes, so, quarter notes etc. I may not find this a problem, but she's already ge...
by Nutroast
24 Apr 2012, 14:20
Forum: Learning & Teaching Piano
Topic: Grade 3 in the summer sitting for old turniphead 'ere
Replies: 106
Views: 58945

Re: Grade 3 in the summer sitting for old turniphead 'ere

You go for it, Brumster. What a great idea to do a practice run and I'm glad you found it easier the 2nd time around. That's all you need.... I KNOW you can do this, you just need to agree with me and it will be rightly yours!
by Nutroast
17 Apr 2012, 11:41
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: PIANO BAR - LUNCHEON MENU
Replies: 5
Views: 9841

Re: PIANO BAR - LUNCHEON MENU

Oh my, I hope he didn't pay too much for it!
by Nutroast
13 Apr 2012, 09:06
Forum: Idle Chitchat
Topic: HAPPY BIRTHDAY GILL THE PIANO!!!
Replies: 8
Views: 8447

Re: HAPPY BIRTHDAY GILL THE PIANO!!!

Little Miss Daylateandadollarshort here!

Wishing you a very belated Happy Birthday!

xx